Do's & Don'ts

Dos and Don’ts

Glaucoma can’t be cured but don’t worry.

With the right care, you can prevent it from getting worse. Following a few simple DOs and DON’Ts can go a long way in protecting your vision, controlling eye pressure, and slowing the progression of the disease. Staying informed and consistent with your eye care routine makes all the difference.

Dos for Glaucoma 1,2,3

Important dos to help protect your vision and manage the condition:

Use Prescription Eye Drops

It’s crucial to properly follow your doctor’s instructions because skipping doses or using them incorrectly can lead to unstable eye pressure, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment and increasing the risk of further vision loss.

Regular Follow up with your doctor

Glaucoma do not show any early symptoms hence Regular follow-up visits with your eye doctor are essential to track how well your treatment is working and to ensure your glaucoma remains stable.

Take regular breaks from screens

Reduce eye strain by regular eye exercises or try the 20-20-20 rule that says every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet not only supports overall well-being but also plays an important role in maintaining good eye health.

  • Orange coloured vegetables and fruits with vitamin A
  • Fruits and veggies are rich in Vitamin C
  • Green leafy vegetables: rich in lutein and zeaxanthin
  • Meat, fish, milk, and eggs: rich in vitamin B3

Reference:

  1. Glaucoma Research How to lower intraocular eye pressure [Internet]. San Francisco (CA): Glaucoma Research Foundation; 2022 [cited 2025 Sep 2]. Available from: https://glaucoma.org/articles/how-to-lower-intraocular-eye-pressure
  1. Cheema What are the do’s and don’ts if I have glaucoma? [Internet]. Sacramento (CA): Cheema Eye; 2021 [cited 2025 Sep 2]. Available from: https://www.cheemaeye.com/uncategorized/what-are-the-dos-and-donts-if-i-have-glaucoma/
  1. American Academy of Fabulous foods for healthy eyes [Internet]. San Francisco (CA): American Academy of Ophthalmology; 2020 [cited 2025 Sep 2]. Available from: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/fabulous-foods-your-eyes

Don’ts for Glaucoma 1,2,3

Skip or Alter Medication Dosages

Missing even a single dose can cause a rise in eye pressure, which may damage the optic nerve.

Don’t Ignore Changes in Vision

If you experience symptoms such as blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, or tunnel vision, consult your doctor immediately. Do not ignore these signs, as they may indicate a worsening of your glaucoma.

Smoke or Consume Excessive Alcohol

Smoking can worsen glaucoma and damage blood vessels that supply optic nerves.

Lie Flat While Sleeping

Lying flat can increase the Intraocular pressure, Use a pillow to keep your head slightly elevated.

Reference:

  1. Cheema What are the do’s and don’ts if I have glaucoma? [Internet]. Sacramento (CA): Cheema Eye; 2021 [cited 2025 Sep 2]. Available from: https://www.cheemaeye.com/uncategorized/what-are-the-dos-and-donts-if-i-have-glaucoma/
  1. Sondheimer Do’s and don’ts if you have glaucoma [Internet]. Des Plaines (IL): Dr. Sondheimer Eye Center; 2022 [cited 2025 Sep 2]. Available from: https://www.drsondheimer.com/blog/glaucoma/dos-and-donts-if-you-have-glaucoma/